NIT develops UV-based surface cleaners, gives patent to UCOMAX

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 25

Having already transferred technology for the launch of anti-microbe washable masks and low-cost air purifiers, the Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, has transferred another technology for safe surface cleaning in the isolation wards of hospitals, trains, railway stations, airports, shopping malls and offices.

The patent titled ‘An apparatus for ultraviolet sterilisation of the surface’ was handed over to Vadodara-based UCOMAX, which has already devised testing models and will launch the product in the market in the next fortnight or so.

“Normally, when any UV-based equipment is to be used, a person cannot enter the room, but there are no such issues with this machine as there will be no exposure for the user. It is completely safe and can even be kept on the berths of trains. Three UV tubes of 11 watt have been fitted on its base and the gadget can be slowly rolled on surfaces as it has tyres fitted underneath”, said Dr KS Nagla, Associate Professor, Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering.

He said, “The machine can be used even on porous surfaces that cannot be mopped such as carpeted floors, where the ordinary chemical-based disinfecting systems are ineffective. The portable apparatus can kill microorganisms such as coronavirus and other bacteria while moving over the surface. The apparatus is adjustable and compact in size and can be used in narrow passages also.”

Dr Nagla said priced between Rs 9,500 and Rs 15,000, the company would be launching two models —- on-board battery operated and wire-operated. The cost of the wire-operated model was less. The product would also be available online.

The Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology has already transferred two technologies in the recent past to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Lalit Kumar Awasthi, Director of the institute, said the institute faculty and staff members were working hard to develop new technologies.

Dr SK Sinha, Dean R&C, Dr SK Mishra, Registrar of the institute, and Dr R Singla, Head, ICE department, congratulated the team on the successful launch of the technology in the market.